citizen

[sit-uh-zuhn, -suhn]

noun

1. a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection (alien ).

2. an inhabitant of a city or town, especially one entitled to its privileges or franchises.

3. an inhabitant, or denizen.

   The deer is a citizen of our woods.

4. a civilian, as distinguished from a soldier, police officer, etc.

citizen

/ ˈsɪtɪzən, -ˌnɛs, ˈsɪtɪzənɪs /

noun

1. a native registered or naturalized member of a state, nation, or other political community Compare alien

2. an inhabitant of a city or town

3. a native or inhabitant of any place

4. a civilian, as opposed to a soldier, public official, etc

Other Word Forms

• citizenly adjective
• noncitizen noun
• uncitizenly adjective
• undercitizen noun
• citizeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of citizen¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English citisein, from Anglo-French citesein, Old French citeain, from cite city + -ain -an; change from citeain to citesein perhaps by association with Anglo-French denzain denizen

Word History and Origins

Origin of citizen¹

C14: from Anglo-French citesein, from Old French citeien, from cité, _city

Example Sentences

ICE said one of those detained was a Mexican citizen and green card holder with a lengthy rap sheet.

From BBC

Registrar of Voters faced attacks over the integrity of the 2024 election after unfounded allegations of forged signatures, non-U.S. citizens voting and duplicated ballots circulated on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

Although many Russians are worried about the new restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram, and by the introduction of Max, the state already has vast means to spy on its citizens.

From BBC

"The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations," the foreign ministry statement said.

From BBC

At a televised news conference, Prabowo stressed that the right to peaceful assembly should be protected but that “the state must step in to protect its citizens.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inhabitant 
• national 
• resident 
• taxpayer